Monica Jeanne (Ryan) Droll

Monica Jeanne Droll, entered eternity on December 4, 2022 at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Tipton, IA where she had lived under the expert care of their incredible staff for the past 7 years. She was born on April 15, 1929 in Dubuque, IA, daughter of Tim and Alice (Cody) Ryan. Her family moved several times during her childhood, from Volga to Ottumwa and eventually to Riverside. Her father was a construction engineer who built roads throughout the state of Iowa. Jeanne, as she was known throughout her life, graduated from Riverside St. Mary’s High School in Riverside, IA with the Class of 1946. Following graduation, she attended Clarke College in Dubuque, IA where she earned a two-year teaching certificate. Her first teaching career stretched over two years at elementary schools in Blairstown and Tiffin. During one of those two stints, she taught a combined 1st Grade and Kindergarten class of over 40 students. She married Reno Droll in August of 1950, and the two of them reared six children: Susan (Dan) Ciucki, Mary Jo (Doug) Grove, Michael (Renee) Droll, Peg Johnson, Steve Droll, and Jane (Babe) Osborn. After twenty-five years as a housewife and mother, she longed to return to the teaching profession. This required a return to college, and she earned her BA from the University of Iowa in 1974. She revived her teaching career at Tipton Middle School in 1975 where she inspired students with her love of literature until retiring in 1994. Always looking to help students feel known and cared for, Jeanne followed her retirement with several years of substitute teaching in the Tipton Community Schools. Jeanne was active in the Tipton Education Association during her teaching career and was a leader in the Tipton chapter of the women’s service organization, Athenaeum. She loved her faith community and was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Parish in Tipton. She played the organ at weekly services for years and was once the choir director. She was a member of St. Mary’s Guild. Jeanne also enjoyed many activities, including sewing, reading, daily jumble with dad, crossword puzzles, bridge, golf, singing, community theater, and playing the piano with her family gathered around in song. She loved sports and was a huge Hawkeye and Tipton Tiger fan, sporting the black and gold. What she cherished most was attending any activity that her grandchildren were involved in. Her many aliases given by her grandchildren included Glama, G-Love and Grandma popsicle and was affectionately called “The Queen” by her kids. She volunteered for many years at the Cedar County Home. In addition to her parents and her husband, Reno, Jeanne was preceded in death by three brothers, Bob, John, and Tim Ryan. She is survived by her 6 children, 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and her brother Mike (Angie) Ryan.

We would like to extend our deep gratitude to Cedar Manor Nursing Home and Iowa City Hospice for their extraordinary love and care for our mom. Memorial donations may be made to the Tipton School Foundation or Cedar Manor Nursing Home.

Cards may be sent to 1581 Logan Avenue, Tipton, Iowa 52772.

All services will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023. A Visitation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tipton from 9:30 am – 11:00 am, and Memorial Mass at 11:00 am, immediately followed by Committal Service at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Friends and family are then invited back to St. Mary’s Hall for a luncheon.

Cedar Manor Nursing Home
1200 Mulberry Street, Tipton IA
Tel: 1-563-886-2133

Tipton School Foundation
400 E. 6th Street, Tipton IA 52772
Tel: 1-563-886-6027